Almost Home Dog Rescue of Ohio is an all volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has rescued hundreds of dogs since our inception in 2003. 100% of all donations go directly to the care of our rescued dogs.Learn more about us...

"All of his life he tried to be a good person. Many times, however he failed. For after all, he was only human. He wasn't a dog."
- Charles M. Schulz

Adoption Requirements

Prior to completing an adoption application, it is important to review the adoption guidelines below.

A home visit is a pre-requisite for potential adopters. This is NOT a white glove inspection. AHDRO would like to meet the members of your family as well as your current pets. Should you be outside our immediate area, we may utilize a nearby reputable rescue to conduct the home visit. This valuable step helps to prevent re-homing of adopted pets.

AHDRO prefers an adopter to be at least twenty-one years of age. Owning a dog is a financial obligation that requires routine veterinary visits and care, which can be costly. Please take this into consideration before adopting.

AHDRO accepts applications from outside of our geographical area, yet does not ship pets. Potential adopters need to be willing to drive to the foster home, meet their possible match and proceed with an adoption, if so desired.

Please pledge to commit to your adopted dog for their lifespan which may be ten years or more. Many of the dogs in the program have had a difficult start to their lives. Our mission is for permanent placement in a loving home. Should circumstances arise where a dog must be returned, please contact AHDRO immediately as our policy is to accept and re-home any of our previously adopted dogs. They are not to be taken to a shelter or another rescue.

Collies and shelties can be vocal, although not all are. Please consider your home environment and that of your neighbors when adopting.

AHDRO does not adopt rescues to be given as gifts. The intent is for the adopter to be the caregiver for the dog they adopt.

AHDRO dogs shall be indoor companions. Collies and shelties are highly intelligent, social dogs that thrive best living with family members. These dogs come to us for a better life and will not be adopted as outdoor farm or watch dogs.

A fenced in yard is ideal, although AHDRO understands this is not always possible. Should this not be an option, the adopter must be committed to daily walks and exercise in all kinds of weather. Please keep your adopted pet on a leash and supervised unless in a secure area.

Written proof of landlord approval and pet deposit, if required, is necessary if your residence is a rental, condominium or part of a Homeowner’s Association.

Collies and shelties are a double-coated breed which requires weekly brushing and an occasional bath. Grooming and any associated costs should be considered.

Even if AHDRO has micro-chipped your dog prior to adoption, provide double protection by also having your dog wear an AHDRO ID Tag and one with your information as well.

Current pets in the household should be spayed/neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations. Your veterinarian will be contacted as part of the screening process. Please provide AHDRO with a reason why a pet is un-spayed or un-neutered so due consideration can be made.

The AHDRO adoption contract is a legally binding document. By signing, it is agreed that your rescued pet will be provided with proper veterinary care. This care includes a yearly wellness exam, heartworm testing and prevention, routine vaccines and emergency care if needed. Heartworm disease is potentially fatal, yet easy to prevent. Products that contain Ivermectin should be avoided in collies, shelties and other herding breeds. Click here for the complete list of potentially dangerous products.

Important to know and share with your Veterinarian…Please realize that the designated ages of our adoptable dogs that are rescued with unknown histories are estimated. Our team of Veterinarians make this estimation based on lenticular changes in the eyes, muscle tone, hair/coat (grey muzzle, thinning), and an oral exam.

The adoption process of AHDRO purposefully includes several steps. This helps match you with a dog that is most compatible with your family and lifestyle. Expect one to two weeks from the time an application is submitted until an adoption is finalized.

Almost Home Dog Rescue of Ohio reserves the right to deny an application.